By Stella Odueme
ActionAid Nigeria has called for an investigation into the use of tear gas by police officers against peaceful participants at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos during the sixth anniversary commemoration of the #EndSARS protests.
The organisation made the call following the incident on Tuesday, Oct. 20, when activists, journalists and other Nigerians gathered to honour victims of the 2020 protests.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, the organisation condemned the police action, describing it as a setback to efforts to promote police accountability and protect citizens’ fundamental rights.
Mamedu said it was unacceptable that Nigerians commemorating the lives lost during the #EndSARS protests were allegedly subjected to tear gas and intimidation while exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly.
He noted that the grievances that triggered the 2020 protests remained unresolved, stressing that peaceful remembrance should not attract repression from security agencies.
“We cannot afford a repeat of what happened in October 2020. The painful memories of #EndSARS are still fresh, and the wounds of families who lost loved ones have not healed,” he said.
According to him, the police have a responsibility to protect citizens and uphold the Constitution rather than suppress legitimate demands for justice.
Mamedu added that families who lost loved ones during the protests deserved the opportunity to mourn and seek accountability without fear.
He said the anniversary remained a painful reminder of lives lost and unresolved questions surrounding the events of October 2020.
ActionAid Nigeria called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to investigate the incident, explain the circumstances surrounding the deployment of tear gas and ensure that officers found responsible for unlawful or disproportionate use of force were held accountable.
The organisation also urged the Federal Government and relevant authorities to implement outstanding recommendations of the judicial panels of inquiry established after the #EndSARS protests.
It said such measures should include accountability for established human rights violations, appropriate compensation for victims and their families, and safeguards to prevent future abuses.
The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with survivors of the protests, families of victims and Nigerians seeking justice, dignity and an end to police brutality.
It further called on security agencies to respect constitutional freedoms and maintain political neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ActionAid Nigeria stressed that peaceful protest, assembly and freedom of expression were constitutionally guaranteed rights that should not be subjected to the discretion of security agencies.
The organisation maintained that six years after the #EndSARS protests, Nigeria needed concrete evidence of progress in police reform and accountability.
It said justice for the victims and their families remained essential to ensuring that the events of October 2020 were not repeated.
